Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH

“He lifted me up out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; He set my feet upon the rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”  Psalm 40:2

In March 2021, the ship’ Ever-Given’ ran aground in the Suez Canal, preventing other ships from passing and disrupting global trade routes. After six long days, the massive container ship was finally freed.

Like that ship, have you ever felt stuck in a helpless situation, where, no matter how hard you try, there’s nothing you can do to improve your circumstances?

At the beginning of Psalm 40, David reflects on a time when he felt like he was trapped in a pit and couldn’t get out. He was stuck and completely helpless. And his ordeal lasted way longer than six days. Ever been there?

There was only one thing David could do—wait. He says, “I waited patiently on the Lord…” (verse 1). The literal translation better explains his experience: “In waiting, I waited.”  

In other words, David didn’t just wait for a little while.  

He waited…and waited…and continued to wait for the Lord’s deliverance, but it didn’t come. At least, not right away.  

Chances are, you know what it’s like to be in David’s muddied shoes.  

It can be incredibly frustrating.  

You cry out to God for rescue and wonder why He doesn’t come to your immediate aid.  

You gradually accept the stark reality that His timing doesn’t coincide with yours.  

It’s in these moments, when it feels as if the Lord has stood us up, that we must resolve to keep trusting and cling to our faith with every fiber of our being.  

Expounding on David’s situation, one commentator writes, “God’s help comes, not too soon, less we should not know the blessedness of trusting in the dark, and not too late, lest we should know the misery of trusting in vain.” 

In His perfect timing, the Lord lifted David out of the mud and mire. Once his feet stood on solid ground, David breathed a sigh of relief and belted out a song of praise (verses 3,4).  

BUT WAIT – don’t miss this – the sole reason David recalls God’s deliverance in the past  (verses 1-4) is that he faces yet another helpless situation in the present (verses 12-17). The remainder of the Psalm makes this clear.  

Bogged down and waiting for the Lord’s deliverance once again, David describes his current predicament:  

“troubles without number surround me” (verse 12)
“my heart fails within me” (verse 12)
“I’m poor and needy” (verse 17)
He cries out, “Come quickly!” and “Do not delay!” (verses 13, 17)   

Stuck. Helpless. And waiting. Same song, second verse. 

Sound familiar?

This is our experience too, isn’t it? We get out of one pit only to find ourselves in a new one further down the road. We’ve waited on the Lord in the past only to find ourselves waiting on Him once more.

Stuck, helpless, and waiting? If this describes you, learn from David’s example. Remind your soul of this beautiful truth: Just as God helped you in the past, He will help you all over again.   

It just might not happen according to your timing.

But take heart…He has not forgotten you.

Your trust is not in vain.

DIG DEEPER
Read “God Has Not Forgotten You!” by Bryant Wright